The 

Reptiles  of  the  Vicinity 

of 

New  York  City 

With  Reference  to  the  Collection  in  the 
American  Museum  of  Natural  History. 


By 

RAYMOND  L.  DITMARS, 

CURATOR  OF  REPTILES,  NEW  YORK  ZOOLOGICAL  PARK. 


GUIDE  LEAFLET  No.  19. 

REPRINTED  FROM  THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL. 
Volume  V,  No.  3,  Jtly,  1905. 
New  York.    Published  by  the  Museum. 


Prefatory  Note. 


The  Museum  gratefull}'  acknowledges  the  cooperation  of  the 
New  York  Zoological  Society  in  the  preparation  of  this  Leaflet.  The 
author  is  Curator  of  Reptiles  at  the  New  Y^ork  Zoological  Park,  Bronx 
Park.  Through  Director  W.  T.  Hornada}'  the  abundant  living 
material  of  the  Zoological  Park  was  placed  at  the  disposition  of  the 
Museum  for  the  purpose  of  making  photographs  for  the  illustrations; 
and  through  Director  C.  H.  Townsend  similar  courtesies  were  extend- 
ed at  the  New  York  Aquarium,  Battery  Park. 

Mention  should  also  be  made  of  the  valuable  assistance  rendered 
by  Mr.  Herbert  Lang  of  the  Museum,  who  took  the  photographs  from 
which  thirty-seven  of  the  half-tone  illustrations  (Figs.  4-8,  10-12,  16, 
17,  21-47)  were  prepared.  The  remaining  photographs  were  fur- 
nished by  the  author. 

The  collection  to  which  the  Leaflet  refers  ma}-  be  found  at 
present  in  the  SNnioptic  Hall,  No.  107  of  the  ground  floor  of  the  Museum 
building.  The  animals  may  be  .seen  in  the  flesh  at  the  Zoological 
Park  and  the  Aquarium. 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Introduction  ..........  93 

Snakes     .       .       .       .       .       .       .       ...       .  -94 

Key  to  the  Snakes         .       .        .       .       .       .       .  -95 

Descriptive  List  of  the  Snakes — 
Harmless  Species: 

Worm  Snake       ........  97 

Milk  Snake  ........  98 

Ring-Necked  Snake     .......  99 

Green  Snake        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .  100 

Black  Snake        ........  102 

Pilot  Blacksnake         .       .       .       .       .       .  .103 

Hog-nosed  Snake         .        .        ,        .        .        .  .104 

Ribbon  Snake      .        .        .        .        .        .        .  .106 

Garter  Snake       .        .        .        .        .        .        .  .107 

Water  Snake       .        .        .       .       .       .       .  .108 

Brown  Snake       .        .        .        .        .        .        .  .109 

Red-Bellied  Snake       .       .       .       .       .       .  .110 

Poisonous  Species: 

Copperhead  Snake       .       .       .       .       .       .  .111 

Banded  Rattlesnake    .        .        .        .        .        .  .113 

Lizards     .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       -  nS 

Key  to  the  Lizards         .       .       .       .       .       .       .  -115 

Descr^tive  List  of  the  Lizards: 

Blue-tailed  Lizard      .        .        .        .        .        .        .        •  115 

Fence  Swift        .        .        .        .        .        .        .        .        •     1 1 7 

Turtles    .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .  .119 

Key  to  the  Turtles        .       .       .       ,       .       .       .  .119 

Descriptive  List  of  the  Turtles: 

Leatherback  Turtle     .        .       .       .       .       .       .  .123 

Loggerhead  Turtle      .        .        .        .        .        .        .  .123 

Green  Turtle       .        .        .        .        .        .        .        .  .126 

Snapping  Turtle         .        .        .        .        .        .        ,  .126 

Mud  Turtle         .        .        .        .        .        .        .        .  .129 

Musk  Turtle       .        .        ,        .        .        .        .        .  -131 

Diamond-back  Turtle  .        .        .        .        .        .        .  -131 

Painted  Turtle    .        .        .        .        .        .       .        .  .134 

Muhlenberg's  Turtle   .        .       .        .        .        .        .  134 

Wood  Turtle  137 

Spotted  Turtle    .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .  .137 

Box  Tortoise      .........  139 


V 


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THE  REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY.i 


By  Raymond  L.  Ditmars, 
Curator  of  Reptiles,  New  York  Zoological  Park. 

Introduction. 

In  compiling  this  gtiide  for  the  identification  of  the  local 
reptiles,  the  writer  has  endeavored  to  present  the  subject  in  a 
simple  and  concise  manner,  avoiding  technicalities  as  far  as 
possible.  The  usual  descriptions  of  reptiles  concern  arrange- 
ments of  the  scales  upon  the  head  and  certain  other  physical 
characteristics  that  are  necessarily  associated  with  technical 
terms,  but  the  keys  for  identifications  and  descriptions  of  the 
species  in  the  present  work  appeal  principally  to  the  coloration 
and  form  of  the  reptiles.  With  but  a  limited  number  of  species 
to  consider,  this  plan  seems  appropriate,  since  it  greatly  'sim- 
plified the  subject. 

The  reptiles  described  are  those  which  have  been  found 
within  a  radius  of  about  fifty  miles  of  New  York  City.  Within 
this  section  28  species  are  represented.  Of  these  species  14  are 
serpents,  2  are  lizards  and  12  are  turtles.  Thus  our  local  faima 
may  be  said  to  be  quite  rich  in  reptile  life.  In  fact,  it  is  within 
the  limits  of  the  area  described  that  certain  species  of  snakes 
(the  Garter  Snake,  Thamnophis  sirtalis,  and  the  Brown  Snake, 
Storeria  dekayi)  abound  to  such  an  extent  that  hundreds  of 
specimens  are  annually  killed  and  captured  without  apparent 
decrease  in  their  numbers. 

There  are  but  two  local  species  of  poisonous  snakes,  the 
Banded  Rattlesnake  and  the  Copperhead.  In  certain  districts 
both  are  fairly  abundant,  but  may  be  hardly  called  a  menace  to 
mankind,  as  one  is  shy  and  retiring  in  habits,  while  the  other 

•  Reprinted  from  The  American  Museum  Journal,  Vol.  V,  No.  3,  July,  1905. 

93 


THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


evinces  an  unmistakable  characteristic  of  warning.  There  are 
but  few  records  of  the  bites  of  venomous  snakes  in  this  portion 
of  the  United  States. 

SNAKES. 

Order  Ophidia. 

The  snakes  are  well  represented  in  the  Atlantic  states,  four- 
teen species  being  distributed  through  sections  of  the  region 
surrounding  New  York  City.  Some  of  these  reptiles  attain  fair 
dimensions,  and  several  of  the  species  are  brilliantly  colored. 
Two  are  venomous  and  of  sufficient  size  to  be  formidable  to 
man.  These  dangerous  snakes,  the  Rattlesnake  and  the  Copper- 
head Snake,  may  be  recognized  by  their  triangular  heads  which 
are  quite  distinct  from  the  neck.  The  blunt  tail  of  the  Rattle- 
snake, terminating  in  its  warning  appendage,  is  a  character 
hardly  possible  to  be  overlooked  by  the  most  indifferent  observer. 
The  Copperhead  Snake  is  so  strongly  marked  that  identification 
is  but  the  question  of  a  moment's  intelligent  examination  after 
an  idea  of  the  color  pattern  has  been  acquired. 

Several  of  our  harmless  snakes  have  been  provided  with 
eccentric  and  misleading  titles.  To  those  unacquainted  with 
reptiles,  such  species  as  the  "Flat-headed  Adder,"  the  "Spotted 
Adder,"  the  "  Water  Moccasin  "  and  others  of  equally  formidable 
appellation  might  be  regarded  as  reptiles  not  entirely  devoid 
of  harm.  Many  of  our  harmless  snakes  which  are  of  substantial 
economic  importance  in  the  destruction  of  the  smaller  injurious 
mammals  possess  the  most  evil  reputation,  although  they  really 
aid  the  agriculturist.  The  slaughter  of  these  useful  reptiles  by 
the  misinformed  is  a  genuine  calamity. 

In  the  key  to  the  identification  of  the  local  snakes,  the  at- 
tention of  the  student  is  especially  directed  to  color  and  the 
formation  of  scales.  Snakes  are  either  provided  with  smooth  or 
keeled  scales,  the  latter  having  a  distinct  ridge,  or  keel,  running 
lengthwise.  The  Garter  Snake  and  the  Water  Snake  are  ex- 
amples of  snakes  possessing  keeled  scales.  This  simple  plan 
makes  identification  easy,  and  excludes  the  usual  technical 
reference  to  the  complicated  arrangement  of  the  scales  or  shields 
of  the  head,  which  requires  technical  knowledge  for  satisfactory 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  95 

comprehension.  To  aid  in  this  idea,  the  species  are  grouped  in 
the  key  without  regard  to  technical  classification. 

Key  to  the  Snakes.'^ 

a.    Scales  smooth. 
Size  small. 

Light  brown  above ;  pinkish  beneath ; 

snout  conical  Worm  Snake  (Carpho- 

phis  amccmis). 

Pale  green  above ;  white  beneath ....  Green    Snake  (Cyclo- 

phis  vernalis). 

Dark   gray   above;    a   yellow  ring 

around  the  neck;  yellow  beneath.  .Ring-necked  Snake 

{Diodophis  puncta- 
tus). 

Size  moderate. 

Grav,  with  chestnut  saddles  above; 
beneath  white,  with  square  spots  of 

black  Milk  Snake  (Lampro- 

peltis  doliatus  trian- 
gulus) . 

Size  large. 

Uniform  satiny  black  above;  black 
beneath,  with  the  chin  and  throat 

white  Black  Snake  (Bascan- 

ion  constrictor) 

aa.   Scales  of  the  back  feebly  keeled. 
'   Size  large. 

Black  above ;  beneath  white,  blotched 
with  gray ;  scales  of  the  sides  show 

white  edges    Pilot  Blacksnake  {Co- 
luber obsoletns). 

h.     Scales  keeled. 
Size  small. 

Brown  above;  pink  beneath  DeKay's    Snake  {Sto- 

reria  dekayi). 

Brown  or  gray  above ;    bright  red 

beneath  Storer's  Snake  (5.  oc- 

cipito-macnlata). 

Dark  brown  or  black  above,  with  a 
yellow  stripe  down  the  back  and  a 
similar  stripe  on  each  side  on  third 
and  fourth  rows  of  scales  from 

underside  Ribbon  Snake  {T ham- 
no  phis  saurita). 

^  All  of  che  local  harmless  snakes  have  eyes  with  round  pupils.  The  two 
species  of  local  poisonous  snakes  have  elliptical  (cat-like)  pupils. 


THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


Size  moderate. 

Dark  brown  or  black  above,  with  a 
yellowish  stripe  down  the  back  and 
a  light  stripe  on  each  side  on  second 
and  third  rows  of  scales  from  under- 
side Garter  Snake  (Tham- 

nopliis  sirtalis) . 

Dark  brown  or  gray  above,  with  red- 
dish transverse  bands;    white  or 

yellow  beneath  spotted  with  red..  .Water  Snake  {Matrix 

fasciata  sipedon). 

Dark  yellow  or  brown,  with  darker 
transverse  markings;  snout  up- 
turned and  sharp  Hog-nosed  Snake  {Het- 

erodon  platyrhinus) . 

Head  triangular ,  distinct  from  neck. 
Light  chestnut   brown   or  pinkish- 
gray,  with  a  series  of  dark  brown 
transverse  bands,  narrow  on  the 
back  and  becoming  wide  on  the 

sides  Copperhead  Snake  {An- 

cistrodon  contortrix) . 

Yellow,  with  dark  transverse  bands; 
sometimes  dark  tan  or  uniform 
black ;  tail  ending  in  a  rattle  Banded  Rattlesnake 

{Crotalus  horridus) 


FIQ.  2.    HEAD  OF  DIAMOND-BACKED  RATTLESNAKE.    SOUTHERN  STATES 


REPTILES  OE  THE  VICINITY  OE  NEW  YORK  CITY  97 


Descriptive  List  of  the  Snakes. 


HARMLESS  SPECIES. 


FlQ.  3.    WORM  SNAKE 


The  Worm  Snake,  CarpJiophis  amcemis  (Fig.  3),  is  a  di- 
minutive species  which,  though  fairly  abundant,  is  seldom 
seen,  owing  to  its  secretive  habits.  The  Worm  Snake  Worm 
is  quite  characteristic  in  appearance  with  its  smooth,  Snake, 
shining,  cylindrical  body  and  sharp  snout;  the  head  and  neck 
are  of  the  same  width.  In  color  this  little  serpent  is  quite 
somber  and  in  harmony  with  the  surroundings  in  which  it  lives. 
x\bove,  it  is  light  brown  or  brownish  gray;  beneath,  the  color  is  a 
delicate  shade  of  pink.  In  length,  the  species  seldom  exceeds 
eleven  inches. 

This  reptile  might  possibly  be  confounded  with  the  Storer's 
Snake  and  the  DeKay's  Snake,  which  small,  retiring  species  it 
in  a  way  resembles,  principally  in  color  and  size,  but  it  may  be 
immediately  recognized  by  its  smooth  scales;  both  of  the  other 


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species  having  keeled  scales.  The  Worm  Snake  frequents  damp 
localities  and  soft,  loose  ground,  where  it  burrows  with  the  aid 
of  its  sharp  snout.  Specimens  are  sometimes  found  in  decaying 
logs.  It  is  seldom  found  wandering  about  above  the  surface, 
except  among  damp  leaves  or  after  showers.  The  food  consists 
largely  of  earthworms  and  soft  grubs.    This  snake  is  oviparous. 

Range:  Central  and  eastern  United  States. 

Local  distribution:  Long  Island;  Palisades  of  the  Hudson. 


FIQ.  4.    MILK  SNAKE 


The  Milk  Snake,  Lampropeltis  doliatus  triangulus  (Figs.  4 
and  5),  is  one  of  the  most  brightly  colored  of  the  local  snakes. 
Milk  The  body  above  is  yellowish  brown  or  gray,  with  a 
Snake.  series  of  irregular  chestnut-brown  or  reddish  spots 
edged  with  black,  about  fifty  in  number ;  on  the  sides  are  smaller 
spots  in  alternation  with  those  of  the  back.  Beneath,  the 
reptile  is  white,  with  numerous,  small  oblong  spots  of  black. 
The  length,  when  mature,  is  from  three  to  four  feet.  The  scales 
are  smooth  and  polished. 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  99 


Although  this  species  is  generally  distributed,  it  is  not  of 
common  occurrence.  From  a  habit  of  sometimes  frec^uenting 
the  neighborhood  of  stables  and  dairies,  it  has  acquired  the 
reputation  of  obtaining  milk  from  the  cows.    This  is  an  illogical 


FIG.  5.    MILK  SNAKE  ;  WITH  EGGS 


theory,  and  proof  of  the  actual  deed  from  reputable  observers 
is  wanting.  In  capti^^ity  this  serpent  is  wholly  indifferent  to 
milk,^but  will  eat  mice,  young  birds  and  small  snakes  other  than 
its  own  species.  It  is  a  constrictor  and  closely  related  to  the 
King  Snake  of  the  southern  states.  The  ^lilk  Snake  is  ovipa- 
rous, laying  eggs  to  the  number  of  two  dozen  or  more. 

Range:  The  central  and  eastern  United  States ;  Canada. 

Local  distribution:  General;  frequents  woods. 

The  Ring-Necked  Snake,  Diadopkis  pnnctatus  (Fig.  6),  is 
the  most  easily  distinguished  of  the  various  local  snakes.  The 
scales  of  this  little  reptile  are  smooth  and  shining,  Ring- 
while  the  body  is  a  uniform  dark  gray  or  bluish  black,  K..ked 
with  a  brilliant  yellow  ring  around  the  neck  imme-  Snake, 
diately  behind  the  head.  Beneath,  the  color  is  orange  yellow; 
a  single  row  of  black  spots  is  generally  present.  The  length 
seldom  exceeds  fifteen  inches. 

These  Httle  snakes  may  be  occasionally  found  in  damp 
woods,  under  stones  or  burrowing  under  the  bark  of  decay- 
ing trees.    The  species  is  quite  rare  within  the  limits  under 


loo  THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 

consideration,  but  in  some  portions  of  the  Hudson  Highlands  and 
in  the  Catskill  Mountains  it  is  rather  abundant.  In  the  southern 
states  it  is  very  common,  the  writer  having  taken  several  hundred 
specimens  within  a  few  days'  time  by  stripping  the  bark  from 
old,  fallen  trees.  The  Ring-necked  Snake  feeds  largely  upon 
earthworms  and  the  smaller  species  of  salamanders.  It  is 
oviparous. 

Range:  The  United  States  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains; 
Canada. 


FIG.  6.    RING-NECKED  SNAKE 


Local  distribution:  General. 

Dainty  and  inoffensive  both  in  looks  and  habits,  the  Httle 
Green  Snake,  Cyclophis  vernalis  (Fig.  7),  may  be  easily  known 
Green  by  its  color  which  makes  it  quite  distinct  from  other 
Snake.  local  spccics.  The  color  above  is  a  uniform  pale  green 
and  beneath  is  light  yellow  or  white.  The  scales  are  smooth 
and  possess  a  satiny  luster. 

The  Green  Snake  differs  from  the  majority  of  serpents  in 
being  insectivorous.  It  feeds  largely  upon  hairless  caterpillars, 
although  it  also  consumes  crickets,  grasshoppers  and  spiders. 
The  usual  length  of  the  animal  is  about  two  feet.  This  species 
is  oviparous. 


lOI 


I02  THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 

Range:  The  United  States  east  of  the  Rocky  ^lountains; 
Canada. 

Local  distribution:  Common  in  Rockland,  Dutchess  and 
adjoining  counties. 

With  the  exception  of  one  other  species,  the  Black  Snake, 
Bascanion  constrictor  (Fig.  8),  attains  the  largest  dimensions  of 
Black  any  of  the  local  serpents.  Above  and  beneath,  with  the 
Snake.  exception  of  the  chin  and  throat,  this  reptile  is  a  uni- 
form black,  the  smooth  scales  imparting  to  the  creature's  back 
a  luster  similar  to  that  of  a  gun-barrel.  The  chin  and  throat  are 
milky  white. 

Young  specimens  show  a  remarkable  variation  from  the 
adult  snake.  Like  all  the  snakes  described  thus  far,  the  Black 
Snake  is  an  egg-laying  species  (oviparous).  As  is  the  case  with 
the  majority  of  the  oviparous  snakes,  the  eggs  are  left  by  the 
parent  to  be  hatched  by  the  heat  of  the  sun  or  of  decomposing 
vegetation.  At  the  time  of  hatching,  the  young  Black  Snake 
belies  its  name.  The  body  is  pale  gray  with  a  series  of  brownish 
blotches  down  the  back;  the  head  and  sides  are  irregularly 
spotted  with  black.  At  this  stage  it  closely  resembles  the 
Milk  Snake,  but  may  be  distinguished  therefrom  by  the  tendency 
of  the  blotches  on  the  back  to  become  very  narrow  as  they  ap- 
proach the  tail  and  to  disappear  almost  altogether  on  that 
appendage.  When  a  year  okl,  the  body  color  has  become  very 
dark,  but  close  inspection  will  reveal  the  dorsal  blotches.  As 
age  progresses  the  body  color  becomes  darker  until  it  assumes 
the  intense  black  of  the  adult. 

Extremely  agile  and  feeding  upon  small  rodents,  birds,  frogs 
and  other  snakes,  the  Black  Snake  is  not  a  constrictor  as  its 
technical  name  implies,  nor  is  it  nearly  so  courageous  as  is 
generally  supposed.  When  surprised,  this  reptile  will  invariably 
take  to  flight  if  this  be  possible,  and  few  serpents  can  show  the 
speed  of  this  black  meteor  as  it  darts  away,  to  stop  only  when 
apparent  safety  is  attained.  When  cornered  and  escape  is  cut 
off,  this  snake  will  fight  bravely,  but  the  slightest  opening  is 
instantly  taken  advantage  of  by  a  dash  for  cover.  The  needle- 
like teeth  can  produce  nothing  but  the  most  superficial  wounds, 
yet  this  serpent  is  quite  generally  dreaded.    Without  doubt  the 


REPTILES  OE  THE  VICINITY  OE  NEW  YORK  CITY  103 

Black  Snake  is  of  \'alue  in  the  woods  and  fiekls,  since  its  appetite 
craves  the  smaUer  mammals  which  are  a  menace  to  the  agri- 
culturist. The  average  length  of  adult  specimens  is  between 
five  and  six  feet. 

Range:  The  entire  United  States  and  southern  portions  of 
Canada.' 

Local  distribution:  General,  in  rocky  localities. 


FIG.  9.     PILOT  BLACKSNAKE 


The  Pilot  Blacksnake;  Mountain  Blacksnake,  Coluber  obso- 
letus  (Fig.  q),  attains  the  greatest  length  of  any  of  the  snakes 
embraced  in  the  present  list.  This  species  is  a  power-  piiot 
ful  constrictor,  and  is  the  northern  representative  of  blacksnake. 
the  large  and  brilliantly-colored  Rat  Snakes  of  the  South. 

To  the  novice  this  serpent  might  appear  similar  to  the  pre- 
ceding species.  This  similarity,  however,  applies  only  to  color. 
Unlike  the  Black  Snake  or  Racer,  the  scales  are  polished  and 
the  body  presents  a  metallic,  shining  appearance  instead  of  a 
satiny  luster. 

'  The  typical  (black)  form  inhabits  the  Eastern  States;  a  variety  of  lighter 
color  frequents  the  Middle  States;  in  the  Western  States  is  the  variety  called 
the  Green  Racer  {B.  constrictor  -ftavivcntris) . 


THE' AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


The  general  color  above  is  black,  the  scales  of  the  sides  show- 
ing white  edges  when  the  body  is  distended.  Beneath,  the  color 
is  white,  blotched  with  gray  on  the  forward  portion ;  posteriorly 
the  gray  becomes  suffused  over  the  entire  surface ;  the  chin  and 
throat  are  white  and  immaculate.  Close  examination  will  reveal 
the  scales  of  the  back  to  be  faintly  keeled,  which  characteristic 
at  once  separates  the  species  from  the  Black  Snake.  The  head 
is  broad  and  rather  flat;  the  under  surface  of  the  body  is  so 
abruptly  flattened  as  to  form  right  angles  with  the  sides. 

This  species  is  built  rather  for  chmbing  than  for  speed,  and 
generally  frequents  low  bushes,  where  it  lies  in  wait  for  birds 
and  small  mammals.  The  species  attains  a  length  of  more  than 
six  feet.    It  is  oviparous. 

Range:  Eastern  United  States  from  Maine  to  Florida;  the 
Central  States;  in  the  South  the  species  extends  westward  to 
Texas. 

Local  distribution:  Highlands  of  the  Hudson;  not  common. 

The  Hog-nosed  Snake,  Meter odon  platyrhinus  (Figs.  lo  and 

ii),  may  be  recognized  by  its  sharp,  upturned  snout,  which 

shovel-like  appendage  is  employed  to  assist  the  reptile 
Hog-nosed   .    ,  •  .1  .        -1  •       1  •  1    •  i- 

Snake  burrowmg  m  the  sandy  soil  m  which  it  lives.  The 

markings  of  this  peculiar  snake  are  extremely  variable, 
but  the  color  is  generally  yellowish  brown,  with  dark  brown  or 
black  irregular  cross-bands.  Some  specimens  show  brilliant 
shades  of  yellow  and  red ;  others  are  entirely  black.  The  latter 
constitute  the  variety  niger. 

The  species  is  stout  in  body,  and  the  scales  are  keeled.  When 
annoyed,  it  assumes  a  threatening  attitude  by  flattening  the 
head  and  neck  and  hissing  loudly.  In  spite  of  its  hostile  de- 
meanor, it  seldom  attempts  to  bite,  but  contents  itself  by  en- 
deavoring to  frighten  the  object  of  its  annoyance  by  its  eccentric 
antics.  In  different  localities  the  species  has  been  given  ap- 
pellations that  have  placed  this  harmless  reptile  in  bad  repute. 
Such  names  as  "Flat-headed  Adder,"  "Blowing  Viper"  and 
"Spreading  Adder"  are  energetically  used  by  the  farmer  who 
usually  refuses  to  be  convinced  that  this  snake  is  not  akin  in 
poisonous  faculties  to  the  Copperhead,  to  which  it  bears  some 
resemblance  in  proportions  and  markings. 


FIQ.  11.    HOQ-NOSED  SNAKE  WAR.  NIGER) 
105 


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THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


When  repeatedly  ann5yed,  this  snake  will  feign  death  and 
may  then  be  roughly  handled  without  its  displaying  signs  of  life. 
Its  food  consists  principally  of  toads.  The  species  is  oviparous, 
depositing  about  two  dozen  eggs.  A  large  specimen  will  measure 
three  feet  in  length  and  one  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter. 

Range:  The  United  States  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

Local  distribution:  Found  in  nearly  all  the  sandy  localities 
adjacent  to  New  York  City.  Common  on  Long  Island  and  the 
Bayonne  peninsula.  New  Jersey. 


FIQ.  12.    RIBBON  SNAKE 


The  Ribbon  Snake,  Thamnophis  saurita  (Fig.  12),  is  a  species 
which  might  be  easily  confounded  with  the  Garter  Snake,  owing 
Ribbon  to  the  similarity  of  markings.  The  body  color  is  dark 
Snake.  brown  or  black,  with  a  bright  and  very  clearly-defined 
stripe  of  yellow  down  the  back  and  a  similar  stripe  on  each  side. 
The  body  is  very  slender  and  the  scales  are  distinctly  keeled. 
When  the  skin  is  distended  the  sides  of  the  bodv  show  small, 
white  spots. 

The  chief  differences  between  this  species  and  the  Garter 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  107 


Snake  are  the  following:  1.  The  stripes  on  the  sides  are  situated 
on  the  third  and  fourth  rows  of  scales  from  the  plates  of  the 
crawling  surface;  with  the  Garter  Snake  the  lateral  stri])e  is 
situated  on  the  second  and  third  rows  of  scales.  2.  The  under- 
side is  immaculate,  while  the  abdomen  of  the  Garter  Snake  shows 
a  row  of  small  black  spots  on  each  side.  3.  The  Ribbon  Snake  is, 
in  proportion,  considerably  more  slender  than  the  other  species. 

The  active  little  Ribbon  Snake  frequents  damp  meadows  and 
woods.    It  seldom  exceeds  three  feet  in  length.    Its  food  consists 


FIQ.  13.    GARTER  SNAKE 


of  small  fishes,  tadpoles  and  frogs.  The  species  is  viviparous, 
but  the  number  of  young  is  small,  seldom  amounting  to  a  dozen. 

Range:  Southeastern  Canada  and  the  United  States  east  of 
the  Rocky  Mountains. 

Local  distribution:  General,  but  not  common. 

The  Garter  Snake,  Thamnophis  sirtalis  (Fig.  13).  is  the  most 
common  of  our  local  serpents.  The  general  color  above  is  dark- 
brown  or  black,  with  three  yellowish  stripes  running  Garter 
lengthwise:  beneath,  the  color  is  greenish  yellow.  Snake. 
The  skin  along  the  sides  when  distended  shows  numerous  white 


ro8  THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


or  greenish  spots.  The  scales  are  strongly  keeled.  The  species 
varies  in  color;  specimens  are  occasionally  found  upon  which 
the  stripe  on  the  back  is  indistinct  or  entirely  wanting;  others 
present  a  spotted  appearance  between  the  stripes. 

Abundant  under  various  conditions  of  swamp,  woods  and 
rocky  localities,  the  Garter  Snake  will  continue  to  exist  within 
our  local  borders  long  after  many  of  the  other  species  of  serpents 
have  been  exterminated  by  the  ruthless  slaughter  that  unjust 
prejudice  inspires.  The  species  is  viviparous,  bringing  forth  as 
many  as  thirty  or  more  living  young  at  a  brood.  The  young 
reptiles  feed  upon  earthworms  and  grow  rapidly.  While  im.- 
mature,  these  snakes  are  secretive,  and  the  character  of  their 
food  enables  them  to  obtain  a  livelihood  without  prowling  forth 
into  danger.  Far  different  is  the  case  of  the  active  young 
Blacksnake  in  seach  of  mice,  as  it  crc^sses  roads  and  clearings 
into  the  danger  zone  of  stones  and  clubs. 

The  adult  Garter  Snake  feeds  mostly  upon  frogs  and  toads; 
birds  and  sm.all  mammals  are  never  .devoured  by  this  species. 
The  length  of  a  large  specim.en  is  about  a  yard. 

Range:  North  America,  southward  to  Guatem.ala. 

Local  distribution:  General  and  common;  is  found  in  the 
large  parks  of  New  York  City. 

Our  common  Water  Snake,  Natrix  jasciata  sipcdon  (Fig.  14), 
is  a  variety  of  a  species  abundant  in  the  southern  states.  The 
Water  body  is  rather  stout,  with  strongly  keeled  scales;  the 
Snake.  color  is  brown  with  broad  irregular  cross-bands  of 
reddish  brown  which  show  miore  distinctly  on  the  sides.  The 
underside  is  yellowish  white,  brightly  marked  with  red  spots 
and  blotches.  The  young  of  this  species  are  quite  different 
from,  the  adult  in  coloration,  the  body  color  being  gray  with  the 
cross-bands  black  and  very  distinct.  The  adult  attains  a  length 
of  four  feet  and  a  diam.eter  of  two  inches.  From  two  and  a  lialf 
to  three  feet  long,  hov/e\'er,  is  the  usual  size. 

Always  frequenting  the  vicinity  of  water,  this  snake  may  be 
seen  in  numbers  along  slow-running  streams,  either  sunning 
itself  on  the  banks  or  stretched  upon  the  branches  of  bushes 
that  overhang  the  water.  It  feeds  upon  fishes,  frogs  and  toads. 
The  Water  Snake  is  vivi])ar()us,  bringing  forth  as  many  as  forty 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICTNTTY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  toq 


or  more  young  at  a  litter.  The  young  are  born  during  the  latter 
part  of  August  and  early  in  September. 

Range:  The  eastern  United  States  from  Maine  to  North 
Carolina. 

Local  distribution:  Common  near  ponds,  streams  and  salt- 
water marshes. 


FIG.  14.    WATER  SNAKE 


Among  the  local  snakes,  DeKay's  Snake,  or  Brown  Snake, 
Storeria  dekayi  (Fig.  15),  is  unique  in  surviving  in  localities 
where  the  other  serpents  have  long  since  been  ex-  Brown 
terminated.  It  is  comimon  in  many  portions  of  the  Snake, 
large  city  parks,  where  its  secretive  habits,  diminutive  size  and 
quiet  colors  aid  in  its  protection. 

In  color  this  reptile  is  brown  or  brownish  gray  above,  with 
a  minute  series  of  black  spots  in  pairs  usually  present  down  the 
back;  the  space  between  these  spots  is  sometimes  of  a  lighter 
tint  than  the  body  color,  producing  the  appearance  of  an  indis- 
tinct stripe  in  some  specimens;  beneath,  the  color  is  pinkish 
white.  The  scales  are  keeled.  The  average  length  of  adult 
specimens  is  twelve  inches. 


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THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


This  snake  is  most  frequently  found  hiding  under  flat  stones, 
and  in  such  places  the  reptile  searches  for  its  favorite  food, 
which  consists  of  earthworms. 

The  Brown  Snake  is  viviparous,  producing  from  fifteen  to 
eighteen  young  during  August.  During  the  first  year  the  young 
snakes  are  very  dark  with  a  whitish  ring  around  the  neck.  At 
this  stage  they  resemble  the  young  of  the  Ring-Necked  Snake, 


FIG.  15.    DEKAY'S,  OR  BROWN  SNAKE 


but  they  may  be  distinguished  therefrom  by  their  keeled  scales. 
When  adult,  the  average  length  of  the  Brown  Snake  is  about 
fourteen  inches. 

Range:  Canada  and  the  eastern  United  States  from  the 
Atlantic  coast  westward  to  Kansas  and  southward  to  Mexico. 

Local  distribution:  Common  in  rocky  localities. 

The  Storer's  Snake,  or  Red- Bellied  Snake,  Storeria  occipito- 

maciilata  (Fig.  i6),  closely  resembles  the  Brown  Snake,  but  may 

be  distineruished  therefrom  bv  its  bright  vermilion 
Red-Bellied  .  -,  ^     ^      .      /  ,    ^  ^ 

Snake.       underside.    Down  the  back  of  btorer  s  Snake  there  is 

usually  a  well-defined  stripe  of  a  lighter  shade  than  the 

body  color,  which  is  brown  or  dark  gray ;  occasionally  specimens 

are  slaty  gray  with  a  light  stripe  down  the  back  bordered  with 

rows  of  minute  black  spots.    On  such  specimens  the  bright  red 

of  the  underside  is  especially  intense.    It  is  a  smaller  species 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  in 


than  the  preceding,  seldom  attaining  a  length  of  more  than 
eleven  inches.  The  young  are  produced  alive,  and  are  black 
with  a  whitish  ring  around  the  neck. 

Range:  The  same  as  the  preceding  species,  but  may  extend 
farther  north  in  Canada. 


FIG.  16.     STORER'S,  OR  RED-BELLIED  SNAKE 

f 

Local  distribution:  Not  found  within  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  New  York  City,  but  is  common  northward ;  occurs  abundantly 
in  Orange,  Rockland  and  Putnam  Counties. 


POISOXOUS  SPECIES. 

The  Copperhead  Snake,  Ancistrodon  contortrix  (Fig.  17),  is 
a  strongly  marked  species  and  easily  determined.  The  body 
color  is  light  chestnut  brown,  sometimes  assuming  a  Copper- 
tinge  of  pink,  crossed  with  dark,  reddish-brown  bands,  head  Snake, 
which  are  narrow  on  the  back  and  wide  on  the  sides,  resembling 
from  above  the  outlines  of  a  dumb-bell ;  these  bands  are  darkest 
at  their  edges,  particularly  on  the  sides  of  the  body.  The  head 
is  somewhat  Hghter  than  the  body,  usually  exhibiting  a  coppery 
tinge  or  a  bright  hazel  brown ;  the  sides  of  the  head  are  of  a  still 


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THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


paler  hue.  The  Hne  of  intersection  of  the  lighter  color  with  the 
coppery  tints  of  the  top  begins  behind  the  eye  and  runs  to  the 
angle  of  the  mouth.  Beneath,  the  body  is  pinkish  white,  with 
two  rows  of  reddish-brown  blotches ;  the  scales  are  keeled ;  the 
pupil  of  the  eye  is  elliptical,^ 

Although  the  head  of  this  serpent  is  triangular  and  distinct 
from  the  neck,  the  general  appearance  of  the  reptile  would  not 
immediately  lead  the  uninitiated  to  class  it  as  a  poisonous  snake. 
Several  of  our  local  serpents  are  quite  as  heavy  in  body  as  the 


formidable  Copperhead.  The  Milk  Snake,  the  Hog-nosed  Snake 
and  the  Water  Snake  are  sometimes  confounded  with  the  Copper- 
head, partly  on  account  of  a  similarity  of  pattern,  and  partly  on 
account  of  the  stout  bodies  of  the  last  two  species.  From  the 
Milk  Snake  the  Copperhead  may  be  at  once  distinguished  by  its 
keeled  scales;  from  the  Hog-nosed  Snake  and  the  Water  Snake 
by  the  arrangement  of  the  plates  under  the  tail.^  Beginning 
from  the  vent,  these  broad  plates  in  the  harmless  reptiles  are  in 
two  rows ;  in  the  Copperhead  they  are  arranged  in  one  row,  ex- 
tending across  the  underside  of  the  tail  like  the  plates  of  the 
belly,  with  the  exception  (in  some  specimens)  of  a  few  scattered, 
divided  plates  near  the  tip  of  the  tail.  From  all  the  harmless 
snakes  the  Copperhead  may  be  distinguished  by  the  presence  of  a 

^  The  eyes  of  all  of  our  harmless  snakes  have  round  pupils. 

2  The  sub-caudal  plates  of  all  the  harmless  snakes  are  in  two  rows. 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  113 


pit  between  the  eye  and  the  nostril,  a  eharacteristic  of  the  crotaline 
snakes  that  has  led  to  their  popular  title,  "  the  Pit  Vipers." 

The  upper  jaw  of  the  Copperhead  is  provided  with  two  long 
fangs  whieh  fold  against  the  roof  of  the  mouth  when  the  latter  is 
closed.  These  teeth  are  hollow  and  are  provided  with  an  o])en- 
ing  at  the  tip  for  the  ejection  of  poison.  They  are  precisely  the 
same  in  their  formation  as  the  needle  of  a  hypodermic  syringe. 
The  poison  is  secreted  in  glands  behind  the  reptile's  eyes,  and 
is  forced  through  the  fangs  by  muscular  contraction  during  the 
act  of  biting. 

The  Copperhead  is  the  most  beautiful  of  our  local  snakes, 
its  delicate  colors  so  closely  resembling  the  falHng  leaves  of 
autumn  that  it  is  with  difficulty  to  be  distinguished  from  its 
surroundings  at  that  time  of  the  year.  When  annoyed,  it  im- 
parts a  rapid,  vibratory  movement  to  the  tail,  which  when  among 
dried  leaves  produces  a  distinct  rattling,  audible  for  several  feet. 
Its  bite  is  very  dangerous,  but  the  snake  is  not  habitually  hostile 
and  it  prefers  flight  to  combat.  When  cornered,  however,  it  will 
fight  bravely,  striking  from  a  partly  coiled  position.  The  food  of 
this  snake  consists  of  small  mammals,  birds  and  frogs.  From 
six  to  nine  young  are  produced  alive  during  August  or  early  in 
September.  The  tails  of  the  young  snakes  are  bright  sulphur- 
yellow,  which  tint  gradually  fades  as  the  reptile  matures.  A 
large  adult  specimen  will  measure  three  feet  in  length. 

Range:  Massachusetts  to  Florida,  westward  to  Texas. 

Local  distribution:  Palisades  of  the  Hudson  River,  northern 
Westchester,  Rockland,  Putnam  and  Orange  Counties,  X.  Y. 
Prefers  thick,  damp  woods  and  in  some  districts  (Orange  and 
Rockland  Counties)  is  moderately  abundant. 

With  the  rattle  as  an  unvarying  characteristic,  the  dangerous 
Banded  Rattlesnake,  Crotaliis  horridiis  (Figs,  i  and  18),  may 
be  instantly  recognized.  Female  specimens  are  gencr-  Banded 
ally  sulphur-yellow  or  brown,  with  black,  or  dark-  Rattle- 
brown  transverse  bands;  the  males  are  usually  very  snake, 
dark  brown  or  black  with  httle  trace  of  the  bands,  except  yellow 
markings  that  show  the  location  of  the  borders  of  the  transverse 
blotches.  The  scales  are  roughly  keeled.  The  head  is  triangular 
and  covered  with  small,  irregular  scales. 


114 


THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


The  young  are  produced  during  the  latter  part  of  August  to 
the  number  of  about  a  dozen.  They  grow  rapidly  and  acquire, 
on  an  average,  three  joints  of  the  rattle  every  year;  the  young 
snakes  are  born  with  a  single  "  button  "  on  the  tail.  The  average 
length  of  a  mature  snake  of  this  species  is  from  three  and  a  half 
to  four  feet. 


FIQ.  18.     BANDED  RATTLESNAKE 


Subsisting  upon  larger  prey,  such  as  squirrels,  rats,  young 
rabbits  and  birds,  the  Rattlesnake  is  a  bolder  reptile  than  the 
Copperhead.  Provided  with  proportionately  longer  fangs  and 
a  more  virulent  poison,  the  bite  of  this  species  is  more  dangerous 
than  the  former.  It  generally  frequents  rocky  localities  and  has 
a  wide  range  of  distribution. 

Range:  Massachusetts  to  northern  Florida,  and  westward 
to  Texas. 

Local  distribution:  Within  fifty  miles  of  New  York  City,  the 
Rattlesnake  is  now  very  scarce.  Occasional  specimens  are  re- 
ported from  Putnam  County. 


REPTILES  OE  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  115 


LIZARDS. 

Order  Laccrtilia. 

The  local  Lizards,  which  number  two  species,  are  so  different 
in  general  aspect  that  immediate  identification  is  possible  even 
to  the  novice.  The  smooth,  shining  Blue-tailed  Lizard  and  the 
rough,  somber- tinted  Fence  Swift  are  the  examples.  The  oc- 
currence of  the  latter  species  is  rare  within  the  limits  embraced 
by  this  list.  Both  species  are  very  active,  and  are  insectivorous 
in  habits. 


Key  to  the  Lizards. 

a.  Body  smooth  and  shixixg: 

Two  phases — 

aa.  Body  black,   with    five  yellow 

stripes;  tail  blue  Young. 

ab.  Body  brown;  stripes  indistinct  or 

wanting;  head  reddish  Mature. 

aa  and  ab  Blue-tailed  Lizard 

(EiDiicces  qiiiiique- 
lineatiis). 

b.  Body  rough;  the  scales  keeled: 

Gray  or  brown  with  lighter  blotches. . 

Fence  Swift  {Sceloporiis 
undiilatiis) . 

Descriptive  List  of  the  Lizards. 


The  Blue-tailed  Lizard,  Eumeces  quinquelincatiis  (Fig.  19), 
is  an  active  species,  generally  distributed.  It  may  be  readily 
recognized  by  its  smooth,  shining  scales  and  bright  ^ 
colors.  There  are  two  phases  of  coloring,  one  repre-  Lizard 
senting  \oung  individuals  and  the  other  the  fully 
matured  animals.    Young  specimens  are  black,  with  five  bright 


THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


yellow  stripes  running  lengthwise  on  the  body;  the  tail  of  such 
specimens  is  usually  a  brilliant  blue, — hence  the  name.  Upon 
approaching  maturity  the  body  assumes  a  brownish  tinge,  the 
stripes  become  less  distinct,  and  upon  the  males  disappear  al- 
together, while  the  head  takes  on  a  tinge  of  red.  The  females 
retain  the  stripes,  although  they  are  less  distinct  against  the 
brown  body-color  than  in  young  specimens;  the  head  of  the 
female  is  much  narrower  than  the  male,  while  the  red  tinge  upon 
the  same  is  never  so  brilliant  as  in  the  other  sex.  The  complete 
color  transformation  takes  about  four  vears. 


FIG.  19.     BLUE-TAILED  LIZARD,  YOUNQ  AND  ADULT 


The  female  of  this  species  deposits  her  eggs,  to  the  number  of 
about  a  dozen,  under  the  bark  of  a  decaying  tree,  and  coils  about 
the  edge  of  the  cluster  in  serpentine  fashion  until  they  hatch. 
Large  specimens  of  the  red-headed  form  measure  eight  inches  in 
length.  In  the  South  the  species  grows  much  larger  and  is  very 
abundant.    The  adult  males  are  called  "Scorpions." 

Range:  Southern  Massachusetts  to  Florida;  westward  to 
Texas. 

Local  distribution:  General  in  sunny  openings  ot  woods,  but 
not  common. 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  117 


The  Fence  Swift,  Sceloporiis  undiilatns  (Fig.  20 j,  common 

everywhere  in  the  southern  United  States,  is  very  rare  within  a 

radius  of  fifty  miles  of  New  York  City.    In  the  pine 

forests  of  southern  New  Terse v  this  agile  creature  is  ^f^T 

^        "  »  Swift. 

particularly  abundant,  and  may  be  seen  darting  with 
bewildering  speed  along  fences  and  fallen  trees. 


F!G.  20.     FENCE  SWIFT 


Unlike  the  Biue-tailed  Lizard,  so  conspicuous  on  account  of 
its  shining  scales,  the  Fence  Swift  presents  a  rough,  lusterlcss 
surface.  The  scales  are  keeled  and  terminate  in  sharp,  spine- 
like fashion.  The  body  is  rather  broad,  the  head  wide.  In 
color  this  lizard  is  gray  or  brown  with  a  series  of  \'-shaped 
blotches  on  each  side  of  the  body ;  the  underside  is  dark-gray  or 
black  with  several  large  patches  of  blue.  The  latter  patches 
vary  in  intensity  according  to  conditions  of  temperature  and  the 


ii8  THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 

activity  of  the  reptile.  Six  inches  is  the  average  length  of  fully 
mature  specimens. 

Range:  New  Jersey  to  Florida. 

Local  distribution:  Recorded  from  the  Palisades  of  the  Hudson 
River  and  Monmouth  County,  N.  J. 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  119 


TURTLES. 


Order  Chelonia. 


Of  the  twelve  species  of  turtles,  or  chelonians,  found  locally, 
three  are  marine  wanderers  from  warmer  climes  and  of  rare 
occurrence.  The  marine  turtles  may  be  immediately  recognized 
by  their  peculiar  paddle-like  limbs  which  are  frequently  termed 
"flippers."  The  use  of  these  members  in  the  progress  of  a  sea 
turtle  through  the  water  has  been  appropriately  compared  to 
the  flight  of  a  hawk  or  an  eagle.  Of  the  other  species  of  chelon- 
ians, one  is  strictly  terrestrial  in  habits,  while  eight  species  are 
semi-aquatic  and  frequent  the  neighborhood  of  ponds  and 
marshes. 

The  upper  shell  of  a  turtle  is  technically  known  as  the  ' '  car- 
apace," the  lower  shell  as  the  "plastron."  These  terms  have 
been  employed  throughout  the  description  of  the  species  with  a 
view  of  abbreviation. 


Key  to  the  Turtles. 


9 


a.    Limbs  long  and  paddle-like  (flip- 
pers)   

aa.  Carapace  with  seven  heavy  keels, 
running  lengthwise. 

Uniform  dark  brown  


Leather  -  back  Turtle 

(Dennochelys  coriacca) . 


SEA  TURTLES. 


ab.  Carapace  smooth. 

Olive  -  brown ;  head  very 
large ;  usually  two  nails  on 
each  flipper  '. 


Loggerhead  Turtle 

(Thalassochelys  car- 
etta). 


Olive  or  brown,  marbled  with 
yellow;  head  of  moderate 
size;  usually  one  nail  on 
each  flipper  ' 


Green  Turtle  {Chelonia 
mydas). 


THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 

Limbs  axd  feet  well  developed;  feet 

WEBBED  POND    AND  MARSH 

TURTLES. 

ha.  Carapace  smooth. 
I.  Plastron  hinged  to  close  against 
the  carapace. 

Dark  brown ;  a  yellow  stripe 

on  each  side  of  the  head.  .  ..Musk    Turtle  {Aromo- 

chelys  odoratus). 
Dark  brown;  head  speckled. Mud  Turtle  {Kinoster- 

nonpennsylvanicum). 

2.  Plastron  rigid. 

Black  or  olive  above;  lower 
edge  of  carapace  brightly 
marked  with  red ;  plastron 

yellow  Painted  Turtle  (Chry- 

scmys  picta). 

Carapace  black  w4th  numer- 
ous yellow  spots ;  plastron 
black,  blotched  with  yel- 
low Spotted  Turtle  {Chelo- 

piis  gtitiaitis). 

Carapace  black  or  brow^n,  the 
shields  showing  lighter 
borders;  head  black;  a 
brilliant  yellow  patch  on 

each  side  behind  the  eye.  .Muhlenberg's  Turtle 

(Chelopus  muhlenher- 

bb.  Carapace  showing  raised,  angular 
lobes. 

Plates  of  carapace  concen- 
trically ringed ;  light  brown 
above,   limbs,   neck  and 

fleshy  parts  salmon  red.  .  .Wood  Turtle  {Chelopus 

iuscitlptiis). 

Plates  of  carapace  with  nu- 
merous concentric  rings ; 
color,   olive  above,  head 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  121 


and  limbs  i^ray,  profusely 

spotted  with  black  Diamond-Back  Terra- 
pin (MdlacocIcuDJiys 
palustris). 

Tail  long,  partly  covered 
with  plates;  head  very 
large;    color  brown  or 

olive  Snapping  Turtle  {Che- 

lyilra  scrpctiiiiu:) . 

c\    Feet  club-shaped,  not  webbed  TORTOISES. 

Carapace  high ;  plastron 
hinged;    color  brown,  ir- 
regularly marked  with  yel- 
low  Box  Tortoise  [Cistudc 

Carolina). 


FIG.  21.    HEAD  OF  LEATHER-BACK  TURTLE 


FIQ.  23.     LEATHER-BACK  TURTLE;  ON  ITS  BACK 
122 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  123 


Descriptive  List  of  the  Turtles. 

The  Leather-back  Turtle,  or  Trunk  Turtle,  Dermochclys 

coriacea  (Figs.  21,22  and  23),  is  easily  distinguished  from  the  two 

other  species  of  sea  turtles  occasionally  taken  off  our 

coasts,  bv  the  heavy,  rids^e-like  processes,  seven  in  Leather- 
'     -        .      ,        \     .  ,   ^  '  ,  back  Turtle, 

number,  runnmg  lengthwise  on  the  carapace,  instead 

of  the  horny  plates  usually  present  on  turtles,  the  carapace  and 

plastron  of  this  species  are  covered  with  a  leatherv  integument. 

The  Leather-back  Turtle  attains  a  large  size.    In  warmer  waters 

specimens  are  occasionally  captured  which  exceed  seven  feet  in 

length.    The  general  color  is  dark  brown,  although  there  is 

sometimes  a  sprinkling  of  yellow.    Like  the  other  sea  turtles 

tliis  species  never  comes  to  the  shore,  except  for  the  purpose  of 

depositing  eggs.    Its  flesh  is  of  no  value  for  food  purposes.  The 

reptile  feeds  upon  fishes,  Crustacea,  mollusks  and  seaweeds. 

Range:  Tropical  seas. 

Local  distribution:  Occasionally  off  the  Atlantic  coast  of  the 
Middle  Atlantic  and  New  England  States,  where  its  presence  is 
accidental. 

Tke  Loggerhead  Turtle,  Thalassochelys  caretta  (Figs.  24  and 
25),  might  possibly  be  confounded  with  the  Green  Turtle,  owing 
to  a  similarity  of  the  shells  of  these  species.  Certain 
characters,  however,  make  determination  compara-  ^^^^j^^^e^ 
tively  simple.  The  head  of  the  Loggerhead  is  very 
large  in  proportion  to  the  reptile's  size;  the  flippers  are  generally 
provided  with  two  nails,  while  the  shell  is  dark  brown,  some- 
times marked  with  a  lighter  brown.  The  colors  of  the  Green 
Turtle  are  much  lighter;  the  head  of  medium  size;  there  is 
generally  one  nail  on  each  flipper.  Both  of  these  species  have 
shells  covered  with  smooth  shields.  The  flesh  of  the  Loggerhead 
is  little  cared  for.  It  does  not  deposit  eggs  in  temperate  regions. 
This  species  attains  a  length  of  six  feet. 

Range:  Tropical  and  semi-tropical  seas. 

Local  distribution:  An  accidental  visitor  oft*  the  Atlantic 
coast. 


FIQ.  24.    LOGGERHEAD  TURTLE 


FIG.  25.     LOGGERHEAD  TURTLE;  ON  ITS  BACK 
124 


126  THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


The  Green  Turtle,  Chdonia  mydas  (Figs.  26,  27  and  28),  is  an 
attractive  species,  the  coloration  of  the  shell  being  a  pale  olive, 

marbled  with  yellow.  The  Green  Turtle  obtains  its 
Turtle        name  from  the  distinctly  green  hue  of  its  fat.  Highly 

esteemed  as  an  article  of  food,  these  turtles  are  com- 
monly seen  in  the  markets  lying  upon  their  backs,  in  which 
position  they  are  helpless.'  In  tropical '  waters  this  species  is 
alleged  to  attain  a  weight  of  a  thousand  pounds. 


FIG.  28.    GREEN  TURTLE;  HEAD 

Range:  Tropical  and  semi-tropical  seas. 

Local  distribution:  An  accidental  visitor  off  our  northern 
seacoasts. 

The  Snapping  Turtle,  Chelydra  serpentina  (Figs.  29  and  30), 
represents  the  largest  species  of  our  local  turtles,  excepting  the 

three  already  described.  Its  rough  carapace  of 
Turtk        somber  brown,  with  its  keels  and  serrations,  and  the 

proportionately  huge,  sinister  head  combine  to  make 
this  creature  unique  among  our  turtles.  The  tail  is  long  and 
possesses  a  series  of  plates  which  form  an  alligator-like  crest; 
the  carapace  is  deeply  serrated  posteriorly.    In  proportion  to 

'  The  majority  of  the  fresh-water  turtles,  however,  when  so  placed,  can 
readily  roll  over  through  the  combined  assistance  of  the  head  and  limbs. 


127 


128 


THE-AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


the  reptile's  size  the  plastron  is  very  small  and  provides  little  or 
no  protection  for  the  limbs  in  time  of  danger.  In  color  the 
Snapping  Turtle  is  dark  brown,  with  no  markings.  Adult 
specimens  attain  a  length  of  two  feet  and  a  weight  of  from 
thirty-five  to  forty  pounds.  The  carapace  of  old  specimens  is 
often  covered  with  moss. 

Slow-running  muddy  streams  and  large  ponds  are  the  lurking 
places  of  these  reptiles,  which  are  exceedingly  voracious.  I>3'ing 
partly  hidden  in  the  mud,  they  await  the  approach  of  fish  or 
even  young  water  fowl.  Possessed  of  a  pugnacious  disposition, 
a  large  specimen  might  well  be  rated  as  dangerous.  The  hooked 
jaws  are  capable  of  inflicting  deep  w^ounds,  and  are,  mioreover, 
employed  with  energy  when  the  reptile  is  annoyed.  When  of 
medium  size,  the  species  is  said  to  be  edible.  The  eggs  -are 
deposited  in  June,  to  the  number  of  from  two  to  four  dozen; 
they  are  perfectly  spherical  and  possess  a  hard  shell. 

Range:  Canada  and  the  United  States  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains ;  southward  to  Ecuador. 

Local  distribution:  General  and  abundant. 


FIG    ol.     MUD  TURTLE 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICIXITY  OF  NFIV  YORK  CITY  129 


The  Mud  Turtle,  Kinostcrnon  pcnnsylvaniciim  (Figs.  31  and 
32),  is  often  confounded  with  the  ]\Iusk  Turtle  {Aromochelys 
odoratus),  which  it  resembles  in  shape  and  size.  The 
principal  differences  between  the  two  species  are  in  Turtle 
the  markings  of  the  head  and  the  width  of  the  ])lastron. 
The  head  of  the  Musk  Turtle  shows  on  each  side  two  distinct, 
yellowish  stripes,  beginning  at  the  tip  of  the  snout  and  running 
to  the  neck,  and  the  plastron  is  very  narrow  and  is  much  shorter 
than  the  carapace,  aft'ording  little  protection.    The  Mud  Turtle, 
on  the  other  hand,  shows  no  stripes  upon  the  head  and  neck ;  the 
head  is  irregularly  speckled  with  green  or  yellow;  the  plastron 
is  wide,  is  but  a  trifle  shorter  than  the  carapace,  and  can  be  closed 
to  afford  substantial  protection.    The  a\'erage  length  of  the  Mud 
Turtle  in  this  vicinity  is  about  three  and  one-half  inches  when 
adult.    It  is  not  as  common  as  the  Musk  Turtle. 

Range:  The  eastern  United  States  from  New  York  to  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico. 

Local  distribution:  General  in  slow-running,  muddy  streams 
and  ponds. 

The  Musk  Turtle,  Aromochelys  odoratus  (Figs.  33,  34  and  35), 
may  be  distinguished  from  the  Mud  Turtle,  which  it  closely  re- 
sembles, bv  the  points  given  under  the  preceding  caption. 
9 


FIQ.  32.     MUD  TURTLE;  ON  ITS  BACK 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  i 


In  some  localities  the  IMusk  Turtle  is  very  common,  particu- 
larly in  slow-running  rivers  with  soft,  muddy  beds.  When 
annoyed,  it  gives  off  a  musky  odor  which  is  strong 
enough  to  be  offensive.  The  carapace  of  an  old  speci-  xSi? 
men  is  usually  so  overgrown  with  moss  as  to  be  seen 
with  difficulty  when  the  animal  is  lying  in  the  mud  in  shallow 
water,  as  is  its  habit.  This  species  is  frequently  hooked  in  fresh- 
water fishing.  In  many  ways  the  species  resembles,  in  minia- 
ture, the  Snapping  Turtle.  From  three  to  four  inches  is  the 
maximum  size. 


FIQ.  35.    MUSK  TURTLE;  ON  ITS  BACK 


Range:  Eastern  North  America  from  Canada  to  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico. 

Local  distribution:  General  in  slow-running  streams  and 
ponds.  Occurs  within  the  limits  of  New  York  City,  and  is  very 
common  in  the  Bronx  River. 

None  among  our  turtles  is  better  known,  although  possibly 
only  by  name,  than  the  Diamond-back  Turtle,  or  Terrapin, 
Malacoclemmys  paliistris  (Figs.  36  and  37).  The  Diamond- 
shields  of  the  carapace  rise  from  the  surface  of  the  back 
shell  in  a  series  of  rough,  concentric  rings;  the  row  of  Terrapin, 
shields  down  the  back  shows  a  broken  keel  which  rises  rather 
sharply  in  the  center  of  each  plate:  this  condition  is  especially 


134 


THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


prominent  in  young  specimens  and  decreases  with  age  and  con- 
sequent wear  of  the  shell.  The  color  of  the  carapace  is  uniform 
green  or  olive,  although  the  edges  of  the  plates  are  sometimes  of 
a  slightly  different  shade.  The  general  color  of  the  limbs,  head, 
neck  and  tail  is  pale  gray,  profusely  spotted  with  black;  the 
plastron  is  yellow,  lined  and  spotted  with  gray. 

The  Diamond-back  is  the  familiar  market  terrapin,  and  at 
certain  times  of  the  year  sells  as  high  as  $70  per  dozen.  It  is 
becoming  rare  in  the  north.  Large  specimens  will  measure  ten 
inches  in  length.  This  is  the  only  species  of  local  turtle  (with 
the  exception  of  the  Sea  Turtles)  that  frequents  salt  water. 

Range:  The  Atlantic  coast  from  New  York  to  Florida. 

Local  distribution:  Salt  marshes  in  the  vicinity  of  Long 
Island  Sound,  Staten  Island  and  New  Jersey. 

The  Painted  Turtle,  Chrysemys  picta  (Figs.  38  and  39),  is  one 

of  the  most  common  of  the  local  species  and  is  easily  recognized. 

^  .  ,  The  e^eneral  color  above  is  dark  olive  or  black,  with 
Painted 

Turtle.  "^h^  margins  of  the  shields  of  a  paler  shade.  The 
margin  of  the  under  side  of  the  carapace  is  black,  with 
bright  red  markings;  the  plastron  is  yellow.  Limbs,  tail  and 
neck,  black,  lined  with  red ;  head,  lined  with  yellow.  The  shell 
of  this  species  is  fiat  and  smooth ;  about  five  inches  is  the  normal 
length. 

Abundant  in  the  vicinity  of  ponds,  streams  and  marshes, 
these  turtles  may  be  often  seen  on  floating  logs  or  the  like,  from 
which  they  plunge  quickly  if  alarmed.  The  food  consists 
principally  of  small  fishes  and  insects.  Captive  specimens  thrive 
on  raw  chopped  meat  or  fish. 

Range:  North  America  from  New  Brunswick  to  Georgia. 

Local  distribution:  General  and  abundant. 

Muhlenberg's  Turtle,  Chelopus  muhlenbergii  (Figs.  40  and  41), 
which  somewhat  resembles  the  Spotted  Turtle  {Chelopus  guttatus) , 
Muhien-  easily  distinguished  from  the  latter  species 

berg's  by  the  brilliant  orange  spot  on  each  side  of  the  head. 
Turtle.  ^YiQ  carapace  is  dark  brown  or  black,  sometimes 
marbled  with  light  brown;  the  shields  often  show  lighter  mar- 
gins. The  shell  is  black  beneath,  blotched  with  yellow.  The 
spot  on  each  side  of  the  head  is  quite  characteristic.    It  is 


FIQ.  40.    MUHLENBERG'S  TURTLE 


FIQ.  42.    WOOD  TURTLE 


136 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICIiXITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  137 


situated  a  little  behind  the  eye  and  slightly  above  the  region  of 
the  ear.  The  species  is  very  rare  in  this  vicinity.  An  adult 
specimen  will  measure  four  inches  in  length. 

Range:  Southern  New  York,  New  Jersey  and  eastern 
Pennsylvania. 

Local  distribution:  Recorded  from  Staten  Island  and  the 
Palisades  of  the  Hudson  River.  Frequents  shallow  streams  and 
swamps. 

The  Wood  Turtle,  Chelopiis  insculptus  (Figs.  42  and  43), 
sometimes  called  the  Wood  Tortoise,  is  a  species  quite  terrestrial 
in  habits.    The  general  aspect  of  the  carapace  is 
rough,  the  plates  being  raised  in  concentric  rings,  and  Turtle 
there  is  a  distinct  keel  down  the  back.    The  color  is 
brownish  above,  irregularh"  and  rather  indistinctly  marked  with 
yellow  or  light  brown;  the  plastron  is  reddish  yellow  with  a 
blotch  of  black  on  each  plate;   limbs,  neck  and  fleshy  parts 
tinged  with  salmon  red.    The  head  is  uniform  brown. 

Although  never  found  far  from  the  vicinity  of  water,  this 
species  is  not  a  water  turtle,  but  prefers  to  roam  about  on  swampy 
ground.  In  habits  it  resembles  the  Box  Tortoise  {Cistiido 
Carolina),  feeding  largely  upon  vegetable  matter.  The  Wood 
Turtle  attains  fairly  large  dimensions,  the  length  of  an  adult 
specimen  being  eight  inches. 

Range:  The  northeastern  United  States. 

Local  distribution:  General  in  swampy  districts,  but  not 
common. 

The  Spotted  Turtle,  Chclopns  gnttatus  (Fig.  44),  rivals  the 
Painted  Turtle  in  being  the  most  common  of  the  local  chelonians. 
The  shell  is  smooth  and  black  above  with  numerous 

Spotted 

round,  yellow  spots  which  vary  in  number  on  dinerent  Turtle. 

individuals.    The  plastron  is  yellow,  blotched  with 

black.    The   average   length    of   an   adult    specimen  is  four 

inches. 

Range:  ]^Iaine  to  South  Carolina;  westward  to  Ohio. 

Local  distribution :  General  and  abundant. 

The  Box  Tortoise,  Cistndo  Carolina  (Figs.  45,  46  and  47),  is 
a  strictly  terrestrial  s])ecies.  The  plastron  is  provided  with  a 
remarkable,  practical  double  hinge,  which  is  employed  for  pro- 


REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY  139 


tection  in  time  of  danger.    When  the  reptile  is  annoyed,  the 
front  and  rear  sections  of  the  plastron  are  pulled  upwards  to- 
wards the  carapace,  and  so  closely  do  the  two  shells 
come  together  that  it  is  difficult  to  insert  even  a  fine  xortoise 
wisp  of  straw  at  any  point  between  them. 

The  Box  Tortoise  lives  to  great  age,  as  is  shown  by  the  fact 
that  specimens  have  been  found  upon  the  shells  of  which  were 
names  and  dates  that  had  been  carved  there  sixty  and  seventy 
years  before.    Such  tortoises  were  found  near  the  fields  in  which 


FIG.  46.    BOX  TORTOISE  ;  ON  ITS  BACK 


they  lived  when  marked,  hence  the  probability  is  that  the  ani- 
mal is  not  a  great  traveler.  During  very  dry  seasons  the  Box 
Tortoise  has  been  known  to  abandon  the  surface  of  the  ground 
and  burrow  deeply  into  moist  earth  or  mud. 

Extremely  variable  in  coloration,  although  the  general  colors 
are  brown  or  black,  irregularly  marked  \\\\.\\  yellow,  the  species 
is  more  readily  recognized  by  its  form.  The  carapace  is  arched 
and  high;  the  Hmbs  are  club-shaped  and  fitted  for  a  terrestrial 
existence.  ]\Iale  specimens  may  be  recognized  by  a  distinct 
concave  area  on  the  rear  section  of  the  plastron  and  by  their 


I40 


THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


red  eyes.  The  Box  Tortoise  is  largely  herbivorous.  It  is  \'ery 
fond  of  berries.  The  length  of  an  adult  specimen  is  about  six 
inches. 

Range:  The  eastern  United  States. 
Local  distribution:  General  and  common. 


FIQ.  47.    BOX  TORTOISE  WITH  CLOSED  PLASTRON 


Guide  Leaflets. 


Issued  with  The  American  Mi  seum  Journal.    For  Sale  at  the  Museum. 

No.  I.  THE  BIRD  ROCK  GROUP.  By  Frank  M.  Chapman,  Associate  Curator 
of  Mammalogy  and  Ornithology.    OctoVjcr,  1901. 

No.    2.    THE  SAGINAW  VALLEY  COLLECTION.    By  Harlan  I.  Smith,  Assistant 

Curator  of  Archaeology.    December,  1901. 

No.    3.    THE  HALL  OF  FOSSIL  VERTEBRATES.      By  W.  D.  Matthew,  Ph.D.. 

Assist.  Curator.  Vertebrate  Pala?ontology.    January,  1902.    Out  of  print. 

No.  4.  THE  COLLECTION  OF  MINERALS.  By  Louis  P.  Gratacap,  A.M.,  Cura- 
tor of  Mineralogy.    February,  1902.  Revised  edition.  May,  IQ04. 

No.  5.  NORTH  AMERICAN  RUMINANTS.  By  J.  A.  Allen,  Ph.D.,  Curator  of 
Mammalogy  and  Ornithology.    March,  1902.    Revised  edition,  Feb.,  1^04. 

No.    6.    THE  ANCIENT  BASKET  MAKERS  OF  SOUTHEASTERN  UTAH.  By 

George  H.  Pepper,  Assistant  in  Anthropology.    April.  1902. 

No.    7.    THE  BUTTERFLIES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY.  By 

William  Beutenmuller,  Curator  of  Entomology.    May,  1902. 

No.  8.  THE  SEQUOIA.  A  Historical  Review  of  Biological  Science.  By  George 
H.  Sherwood,  A.M.,  Assistant  Curator.    November,  1902. 

No.  9.  THE  EVOLUTION  OF  THE  HORSE.  By  W.  D.  Matthew,  Ph.D.,  Asso- 
ciate Curator  of  Vertebrate  Palaeontology.  January,  r903.  Second  edition. 
May,  ipoj. 

No.  10.    THE  HAWK-MOTHS  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY.  By 

William  Beutenmuller,  Curator  of  Entomology.    February,  1903. 

No.  II.  THE  MUSICAL  INSTRUMENTS  OF  THE  INCAS.  By  Charles  W.  Mead. 
Assistant  in  Archceology.    July,  1903. 

No.  12.  THE  COLLECTION  OF  FOSSIL  VERTEBRATES.  By  W.  D.  Matthew, 
Ph.D.,  Associate  Curator  of  Vertebrate  Palaeontology.    October,  1903. 

No.  ^3.  A  GENERAL  GUIDE  TO  THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HIS- 
TORY.   January,  1904. 

No.  14.  BIRDS'  NESTS  AND  EGGS.  By  Frank  M.  Chapman,  Associate  Curator  of 
Mammalogy  and  Ornithology.    April,  1904.    Reprinted  Feb.,  1905. 

No.  15.    PRIMITIVE  ART.    July,  1904. 

No.  16.    THE  INSECT- GALLS  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY.  By 

William  Beutenmuller,  Curator  of  Entomology.     October,  1904. 

No.  17.  THE  FOSSIL  CARNIVORES,  MARSUPLA.LS  AND  SMALL  MAMMALS  IN 
THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY.  By  W.  D.  Matthew. 
Ph.D.,  Associate  Curator  of  Vertebrate  Palaeontology.    January,  1905. 

No.  18.  THE  MOUNTED  SKELETON  OF  BRONTOSAURUS.  By  W.  D.  Matthew. 
Ph.D..  Associate  Curator  of  Vertebrate  Pakcontology.     April,  1905. 

No.  19.  THE  REPTILES  OF  THE  VICINITY  OF  NEW  YORK  CITY.  By  Ray- 
mond L.  DiTMARS,  Curator  of  Reptiles,  New  York  Zoological  Park,  July, 
1905- 

THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  JOURNAL 


Edmund  Otis  Hovey,  Editor. 
Frank  M.  Chapman,  Louis  P.  Gratacap,  William  K.  Gregory,  Advisory  Board. 
Issued  quarterly  by  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History. 
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Scientific  Staff 

DIRECTOR 
Hermon  C.  Bumpus,  Ph.D. 

DEPARTMENT  OE  PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION 
Prof.  Albert  S.  Bickmore,  Curator  Emeritus 

DEPARTMENT  OF  GEOLOGY  AND  INVERTEBRATE  PALAEONTOLOGY 
Prof.  R.  P.  Whitfield,  Curator 
Edmund  Otis  Hovey,  Ph.D.,  Associate  Curator 

DEPARTMENT  OF  AIAMMALOGY  AND  ORNITHOLOGY 
Prof.  J.  A.  Allen,  Curator 
Frank  M.  Chapman,  Associate  Curator 

DEPARTMENT  OF  VERTEBRATE  PAL/EONTOLOGY 
Prof.  Henry  Fairfield  Osborn,  Curator 
W.  D.  Matthew,  Ph.D.,  Associate  Curator 
O.  P  Hay, -Ph.D.,  Associate  Curator  of  Chclonia 
Prof.  Bashford  Dean,  Honorary  Curator  of  Fishes 

DEPARTMENT  OF  ANTHROPOLOGY 
Prof.  Franz  Boas,  Curator 
Prof.  Marshall  H.  Saville,  Associate  Curator  of  Archaeology 
Harlan  I.  Smith,  Assistant  Curator  of  Ethnology 
Clark  Wissler,  Ph.D.,  Assistant  Curator  of  Ethnology 
Berthold  Laufer,  Ph.D.,  Assistant  in  Ethnology 
George  H.  Pepper,  Assistant  in  Anthropology 

DEPARTMENT  OF  ENTOMOLOGY 
William  Beutenmuller,  Curator 

DEPARTMENTS  OF  MINERALOGY  AND  CONCHOLOGY 
L.  P.  Gratacap,  A.m.,  Curator 
George  F.  Kunz,  Ph.D.,  Honorary  Curator  of  Gems 

DEPARTMENT  OF  INVERTEBRATE  ZOOLOGY 
Prof.  William  Morton  Wheeler,  Curator 
George  H.  Sherwood,  A.M.,  Assistant  Curator 
Prof.  J.  E.  Duerden,  Honorary  Curator  of  Ccelenterates 

DEPARTMENT  OF  PIIYSIOLOGV 
Prof.  Ralph  W.  Tower,  Curator 

DEPARTMENT  OF  PREPARATION  AND  IXSTALLATION 
B.  E.  Dahlgren,  D.M.D.,  Curator 

DEPARTMENT  OF  BOOKS  AND  PUBLICATIONS 
Prof.  Ralph  W.  Tower,  Curator 


DEPARTMENT  OF  MAPS  AND  CHARTS 
A.  Woodward,  Ph.D.,  Curator 


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